Bret Ernst (Friday and Saturday) This actor and comic, who has appeared on “The Late Late Show,” “Weeds,” “Chelsea Lately,” takes the Gotham stage shortly after the release this month of his album, “American Comic.” At 8 and 10 p.m., with an 11:45 set on Saturday, Gotham Comedy Club, 208 West 23rd Street, Chelsea, (212) 367-9000, gothamcomedyclub.com; $25, with a two-drink minimum; $115 V.I.P. packages include drinks and more. (Angelo)

‘Grandma’s Ashes’ (Saturday) Some of the Upright Citizens Brigade’s top performers help turn tragedy into comedy in this improvised show based on sad personal stories. At 10:30 p.m., 307 West 26th Street, Chelsea, (212) 366-9176, newyork.ucbtheatre.com; $10. (Angelo)